Developing socio-culturally relevant approaches for family engagement with early number learning in everyday life

Voutsina, Chronoula and George, Lois (2024) Developing socio-culturally relevant approaches for family engagement with early number learning in everyday life. 2024 UWI Education Biennial Conference, Mona / Kingston, Jamaica, The UWI Regional Headquarters, Kingston, Jamaica. 08 - 10 Jul 2024.

Abstract

Family engagement with early number learning at home is a predictor of later mathematics achievement. However, research indicates that many parents are reluctant to engage in mathematics-related activities with their children and many would benefit from support in recognising the mathematics potential of everyday activities. Although family engagement involves developmental as well as sociocultural and community dimensions, the latter two dimensions are often overlooked.

We will present the conceptual framework that underpins the ‘Numbers in Everyday Life’ project that aims to fill the previously-mentioned gaps and impact positively on family engagement and family confidence to talk about the multiple meanings and uses of written numbers in everyday life. The project involves the use of the research-based ‘Written Numbers in Everyday Life’ programme of activities by families of culturally diverse backgrounds, within two different national contexts (England and Jamaica). The project also includes the co-development and trial, with Preschool partners, of an adaptable, context-relevant programme of preschool-based activities that will create coherent connections between the family-used resources outside preschool, and classroom-based learning.

The project adopts a ‘strengths-based’ methodology for family involvement in learning, acknowledging the varied "Funds of knowledge", that is, diverse families’ existing knowledge base and everyday experiences, as valuable resources. These resources can be harnessed to enhance mathematics learning opportunities for children and increase their frequency within everyday activities at home as well as in community environments.

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Contributors

Author: Chronoula Voutsina

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